Dec. 7, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky senior defender Barry Rice has been selected to the third-team, Team of the Year by Goal.com, it was announced.

Rice, a native of Parma, Ohio, finished his storied four-year career as arguably the most decorated player in the history of the program. A physical and athletic defender, Rice has now earned post-season All-America recognition in two consecutive years, becoming the first player in school history to accomplish that feat. In 2008, Rice was named second-team All-America after helping UK to a second-place finish in Conference USA.

The only two-time C-USA Defensive Player of the Year in league history, Rice was selected first-team All-Conference USA in 2007, 2008 and 2009, earning All-Freshman accolades in 2006. Rice has played in 78 career games with 78 starts, totaling 31 career points, with 12 goals and seven assists, including seven game-winning goals. In 2009, Rice started 18 of UK’s 19 games, totaling two goals, while helping anchor a UK defense that totaled seven shutouts and a league-leading 0.78 goals-against average.

Rice’s best offensive year came in 2007, when he had to carry the offensive load for an injury-depleted UK team. Rice totaled seven goals in 2007, adding one assist in 17 games. In 2008, Rice totaled two goals and one assist, earning second- and third-team All-America accolades.

The 5-foot-11 defender ranks seventh in UK career history in games played (78), fourth in games started (78), 11th in goals (12) and seventh in game-winning goals (seven).